2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX oil temperature

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
A good time to check the automatic transaxle uid level
is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 6-6, and be sure
to use the transaxle uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage the
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the uid
could come out and fall on hot engine or exhaust
system parts, starting a re. Too little uid could
cause the transaxle to overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if you check the transaxle uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at
normal operating temperature, which is 180°F to
200°F (82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
you may have to drive longer.
5-23

How to Add Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transaxle uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the crosshatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transaxle
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transaxle uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant is added.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem
with engine overheating or if coolant needs to be added
to the radiator, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-28.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®engine coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 25,000 miles (41 500 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-25

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
The overheated engine protection operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency situation. If an overheated engine condition
exists, this protection mode alternates ring groups
of cylinders to help prevent engine damage. In
this mode, there will be a signicant loss in power and
engine performance. The engine coolant temperature
gage indicator will move to the shaded area, and
the engine coolant temperature warning light will come
on, showing that an overheated engine condition
exists. Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a
trailer in the overheated engine protection mode should
be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-16.
Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Electric Engine Cooling Fan(s)
C. Pressure Cap3800 V6 Supercharged Engine shown, 3800 V6
Engine similar
5-30

(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-25 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check throttle system for interference or binding and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or
cruise control cables.
(k)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.(l)For supercharged engines only: Have your dealer
check the supercharger oil level and add the proper
supercharger oil as needed (or every 36 months,
whichever occurs rst). See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12.
(m)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(n)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
6-8

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-16
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-19
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-19
Delayed Locking.............................................2-11
Displacement on Demand™ (DoD™).................2-25
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-16
Six-Way Power Seat...................................... 1-2
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-52
DIC Controls and Displays....................3-52, 3-60
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-72
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-19
City...........................................................4-22
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-26
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-20Driving (cont.)
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-33
Winter........................................................4-28
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-29
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-111
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-112
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-111
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-112
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-111
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-114
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-111
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-21
Battery.......................................................5-45
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-47
Coolant......................................................5-25
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-46
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-46
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-33
Oil .............................................................5-16
Oil Life System...........................................5-19
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-30
4

Engine (cont.)
Overheating................................................5-28
Starting......................................................2-23
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-20
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)......................4-11
Warning Light.............................................3-45
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-15
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-17
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-21
Finish Damage.............................................5-107
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-77
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-88
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-97
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-23
Power Steering...........................................5-40
Windshield Washer......................................5-41
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-50
Fog Lamps....................................................3-17
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-9
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-7Front Reading Lamps......................................3-20
Front Seat Storage Net....................................2-42
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-51
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-112
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-112
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-114
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-111
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-46
Fuel..........................................................3-51
Speedometer..............................................3-37
Tachometer.................................................3-37
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-40
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
5

L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-62
Lamps
Battery Run-Down Protection.........................3-20
Courtesy....................................................3-18
Exterior......................................................3-15
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-17
Fog ...........................................................3-17
Front Reading.............................................3-20
Interior.......................................................3-17
Overhead Console Reading..........................3-20
Rear Assist Handle Reading..........................3-20
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-41
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-39
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-44
Brake System Warning.................................3-42
Cruise Control.............................................3-51
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-46
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-45
Fog Lamp..................................................3-50
Highbeam On.............................................3-51Light (cont.)
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-47
Oil Pressure...............................................3-50
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-40
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder....................3-38
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-38
TCS Warning Light......................................3-45
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-45
Up-Shift.....................................................3-42
Lighting
Delayed Entry.............................................3-19
Delayed Exit...............................................3-19
Entry.........................................................3-18
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Lockout Protection..........................................2-13
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-13
Power Door................................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-18
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
7

M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-13
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-47
Manual Passenger Seat.................................... 1-2
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-72
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
and Temperature Display...........................2-35
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-35
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-38
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-37
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
Navigation/Radio System, see
Navigation Manual.....................................3-139
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-13
O
Odometer......................................................3-37
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-16
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-16
Pressure Light.............................................3-50
Supercharger, Engine...................................5-20
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-19
Older Children, Restraints................................1-30
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-38
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-33
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-38
Power Mirrors.............................................2-37
Overhead Console..........................................2-42
Overhead Console Reading Lamps....................3-20
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode.....5-30
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
8